Ore classifier



Jan. 3, 1933. A. c. DAMAN ET AL ORE CLASSIFIER Filed Oct. 24, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet l Jan. 3, 1933. A. c. DAMAN ET AL ORE CLASSIFIER Filed 001:. 24, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 gnw'nfovi Jan. 3, 1933. A. c. 'DAMAN ET AL ORE CLASSIFIER Filed Oct. 24, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 fizww C .fi/m/Y W5 k571/77/ J; 4

Patented Jan. 3, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARTHUR C. DAMAN AND WILLIAM E. SMITH, OF DENVER, COLORADO, ASSIGNORS TO THE DENVER EQUIPMENT 00., 01 DENVER, COLORADO, A CORPORATION OF COLORADO ORE CLASSHIER Application filed October 24, 1930. Serial No. 490,920.

This invention relates to a classifier of the type used in the dressing of ores for the separation of sands from slimes or for the dewatering and thickening of pulp, etc. It relates more particularly to an ore classifier of the type shown in applicants Patent No.

1,556,084, having an inclined tank with a longitudinal rake shaft that both reciprocates and rotates.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a simple yet highly efficient mechanism for imparting a simultaneous rotation and reciprocation to the rake shaft.

Another object of the invention is to provide a swinging support for the rake shaft so as to eliminate sliding friction and wear upon the shaft and its bearings.

A further object is toprovide a classifier with two sets of rotating and reciprocating 2o rakes which will coact with each other to efliciently remove the sands from the line of flow of the returning slimes so that a rapid and clean classification will be obtained.

Other objects and advantages reside in the detail construction of the invention, which is designed for simplicity, economy, and efficiency. These will become more apparent from the following description.

In the following detailed description of the invention reference is had to the accompanym drawings which form a part hereof. Liie numerals refer to like parts in all views of the drawings and throughout the description.

In the drawings: 1 Fig. 1 is a vertical, longitudinal section through the operating or rearward extremity of the improved classifier.

Fig. 2 is a similar section through the forward extremity.

Figs. 1 and 2 together form substantially a complete longitudinal vertical section through the complete machine, taken on the line 2-2, Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the classifier looktoward the slime discharge or forward en Fig. 4 is a cross section taken on the line 44, Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic cross section illustrating an alternate arrangement of the device.

Fig. 6 is a detail view illustrating the worm shaft hearing.

The invention comprises an inclined supportlng frame 10 formed of angle irons or slmllar structural members. The frame 10 supports a relatively long semi-cylindrical classifying tank 11 in an inclined position.

rake shaft 13 extends longitudinally through the tank 11 and carries a series of arcuate scrapers 12. The scrapers 12 are carrled upon U shaped band iron brackets 14 which may be clamped about the shaft 13 m any desired position by'means of suitable clamp bolts 15.

The shaft 13 can, if desired, be formed of a single length of shafting. It is preferred, however, to form it as illustrated in the drawings from a length of extra heavy pipe or tubing 13 terminating at each extremity in a section of shafting 13. In this specification that shaft will be referred to in its entirety by the reference numeral 13.

At the rearward extremity the tank 11 is closed by means of a rear plate 16 which is notched to receive the shaft 13. At the forward extremity the tank 11 is similarly closed by means of a front plate 17. Spaced from the front plate 17 is an overflow weir 18. The space between the plate 17 and the weir 18 forms a slime chamber. The rearward extremity of the tank 11 is open to form a sand discharge 44. A discharge plug 49 is provided at the lowest point of the tank for washing and final cleaning. The frame 10 is extended outwardly at the rearof the tank to provide a support for a pair of bearing boxes 50 A pair of trunnion bearings 52 are bolted to each side of the gear box 20 by means of flanges 53 and bolts 54. These trunnions are carried in the bearing boxes 50 so as to pivotally support the entire gear box 20. A worm shaft 21 extends entirely across the gear box 20 and projects through the hollow trunnions 52.

The gear box 20 supports the rearward extremity of the shaft 13 in two aligning bearings 26. Within the box 20, the shaft 21 carries a worm 22 which meshes with an angularly positioned worm gear 23. The gear 23 is journaled upon a relatively large hollow trunnion bearing 24 formed upon the inte rior of the gear box 20. An annular retaining plate 25 maintains the worm gear 23 upon its trunnion.

It will be noted that the trunnion 24 posi' tions the worm gear 23 at a decided angle to the axis of the shaft 13 and that the shaft is held in definite relation to this angle by means of the bearings 26. This angular position of the worm gear imparts the desired reciprocation to the shaft 13 and forms one of the principal features of this invention.

A lug 27 is formed upon one face of the gear 23 which supports a universal joint ball 28. A bracket 29 extends from the shaft 13 and connects, through the medium of a universal joint link 30 and pin 31, with the universal joint ball 28. The bracket 29 is-securely fixed to the shaft 13 so that it can not rotate or move longitudinally thereon. Suitable caps 32 are provided to protect the portions of the shaft 13 which slide into the bearings 26 so as to prevent abrasive material from being dragged into the bearings. The inclination of the shafts, however, prevents the solution from running toward these hearings.

It will be noted that rotation of the worm 22 causes the worm gear 23 to rotate upon its trunnion. The worm. gear through the medium of the universal joint and the bracket 29 rotates the shaft 13. As the shaft rotively. The journal 33 is suspended in a yoke 36 upon a hinge pin 37. The yoke 36 is vertically adjustable in a yoke frame 38 by means of a threaded rod 39 provided with a suitable hand wheel 40. The yoke frame 38 is well braced against side sway and is rigidly carried upon a shaft 41 which is journaled at its extremities in a pair of bearings 42.

It will be noted that this construction prevents abrasive material from being dra ged into the journal 33 yet allows the sha t to both freely reciprocate and rotate. The shaft is also firmly braced so that it can not swing or move laterally within the tank, yet it can be easily adjusted vertically within the tank by means of the hand wheel 40. The set collar 35 is provided with drip flanges 46 from which any solution draining down the shaft 13 will drip into a drip chamber 47 from which it flows into the slime chamber 19 through suitable drip return openings 48. In this way the journal 33 is completely protected from solution and abrasive material.

It is desired to call attention to the fact that the forward extremity of the shaft is free to rise at any time. This allows the rakes 12 to lift the shaft should they encounter an excess amount of sand so as to lessen the load upon the operating mechanism. Also it acts as a safety feature should large rocks accidentally enter the tank 11 since the scrapers can ride over the rocks by lifting the shaft 13. When the shaft is lifted the hand wheel 40, of course, rises above its base 55 is positioned between the frame 38 and a.

metallic washer 56 which receives the weight of the hand wheel 40.

In use, pulp is fed into the tank 11 in any desired manner. The worm shaft 21 is rotated, the solution with the slimes and suspended particles constantly overfiows over the weir 18 and is discharged through suitable discharge orifices 43. As the rakes 12 swing toward the broken line position of Fig. 4 they will move forwardly. After they have entered the solution and contacted with the sand they will move rearwardly so as to drag or rake this sand toward the sand discharge 44. Thus at each revolution of the shaft 13 each rake 12 will move a pile of sand rearwardly up the inclined bottom of the tank 11 a distance equal to the angle of placement of the worm gear 23. While the rakes 12 are returning for another stroke the slime will drain from the series of sand piles back to the solution. At each revolution a batch or pile of sand will be discharged at 44.

It is desired to call attention to the fact that owing to the simultaneous rotation and reciprocation of the scrapers 12 the sand will be piled as shown in Fig. 4 upon the ascending side of the tank 11. Thus allowing a comparatively free channel on the descending side for the slimes to drain back to the solution.

In Fig. 5 an alternate arrangement of the invention is illustrated. In this arrangement two rake shafts are employed in a common classifying tank 45. The rake shafts are rotated in opposite directions to take full advantage of the side piling feature of the invention. The action of this form is exactly the same as the previous form. Twice as much sand, however, can be handled by this form with but very little increase in floor space. It will be noted that by rotating the shafts in opposite directions the sand will be piled at opposite sides of the classifying tank 45 so as to.allow a clear channel down the middle of the tank for the return flow of the slimes.

The gear box 20 is completely closed and partially filled with lubricating oil as indicated at B so that the operating mechanism is efficiently lubricated. A cap 51 allows access to the gear box.

For the sake of clearness all supporting structure for the frame 10 has been eliminated in the drawings. Any suitable support such as concrete piers may be employed. The frame however, should be supported at approximately the angle illustrated.

llt is desired to be understood that the term classifier as employed in this specification and claims is employed as a convenient descriptive term and does not limit this invention to any particular use. The invention will be found useful in any application where'it is desired to convey materlal in intermittent stages.

While a specific form of the improvement has been described and illustrated herein, it is desired to be understood that the same may be varied, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired secured by Letters Patent is t-- 1. Means for rotating and reciprocating a shaft comprising: a rotating element adapted. to rotate in a plane at an angle to the mm of said shaft; and an operative connection between said element and said shaft so that the rotation of the former will be imparted to the latter and the angular placement of said element will reciprocate said shaft longitudinally.

2.. Means for rotating and reclprocating a shaft comprising: a rotating element surrounding said shaft; means for journalling said element so that it will rotate in a plane oblique to the axis of said shaft; and an op erable connection between said element and [said shaft so that the latter will rotate and follow the oblique position of said element.

3. Means for rotating and reciprocating a shaft comprising: a rotating element adapted to rotate about said 'shaft and at an oblique angle to the axis thereof; a bracket extending from said shaft; and a universal connection between said bracket and said element so as to causesaid bracket to follow the path of a point upon the periphery of said element.

4. Means for simultaneously rotating and reciprocatin a longitudinal rake shaft com-.

prising: a edly supported gear shaft; 9. gear box hmged upon said ear shaft; bearings 1n said gearbox for sa1d rake shaft; an

annular gear surrounding said shaft and driven from said, gear shaft; a trunnion hearng supported from said gear box and carrymg sa1 gear at an oblique angle to the axis of said shaft; a bracket secured to and extending from said shaft within said gear longitudinal shaft comprising: a fixedly supported gear shaft; a gear box hinged upon sa1d gear shaft; bearings in said gear box for said longitudinal shaft; and an operating mechanism within said gear box for rotating and reciprocating said longitudinal shaft when said gear shaft is rotated. 6. Means for hingedly supporting a simultaneously rotating and reciprocating shaft 0 comprising: a frame hinged above said shaft and adapted to swing in a plane parallel thereto; and a journal for said shaft supported by said frame.

7 Means for hingedly supporting a simultaneously rotating and reciprocating shaft comprising: a frame hinged above said shaft and adapted to swing in plane parallel thereto; a yoke-adjustable within said frame an}? a journal for said shaft hinged to said yo e.

8. Means for hingedly supporting a simultaneously rotating and reciprocating shaft comprising: a frame hinged above said shaft and adapted to swing in a plane parallel thereto; a journal for said shaft supported by said frame; and set collars secured to said shaft so as to prevent said journal from moving therealong.

9. Means for hingedly supporting a simultaneously rotating and reciprocating longitudinal shaft comprising: a lateral shaft journaled above said longitudinal shaft; a frame carried by said lateral shaft and de pending therebelow; a yoke; a threaded shaft arranged to move said yoke vertically within said frame; a journal for said longitudinal shaft extending through said yoke; and a hinge pin securing said journal to said yoke so that said longitudinal shaft is free to swing longitudinally but is prevented from swinging laterally.

10. Means for simultaneously reciprocating and rotating a shaft comprising: a rotating element surrounding said shaft; means shaft; and an operable connection between said element and said shaft so that the latter will rotate and follow the oblique position of said element.

11. Means forsimultaneouslyreciprocating and rotating a shaft comprising: a rotatin 5 element adapted to rotate about said she t and at an oblique angle to the axis thereof; bracket extending from said shaft; and a universal connection between said bracket and said element so as to cause said bracket to follow the path of a point upon the periphery of said element.

In testimony whereof, we afiix our signatures.

ARTHUR O. DAMAN.

. WILL E. SMITH. 

